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CODE: |
1997
State Regulations for Barrier-Free Facilities |
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SECTION: |
Group A
Occupancies, Section 1103.1.2.1 (Religious facilities) |
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QUESTION: |
Interpretation No.
99-06, Item 4 states that an accessible route to the baptistery in a
religious facility can be provided by a platform lift per Section 1105.3.2. The plans for a
sanctuary building include the stage and baptistery located separately but in
close proximity to one another. A
single portable platform lift is proposed to be used as part of the
accessible route to provide access to both the stage and the baptistery when
necessary. Does the use of a portable
platform lift as proposed meet the intent of the code? |
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ANSWER: |
No. The intent of the code is that within a
building the accessible route be a permanent part of the construction. Section 1105.3.2 allows a platform lift to
be used in lieu of an elevator for vertical access. When a platform lift is used in lieu of an
elevator the intent is that it be permanently installed. Per
Section 1105.3.2, all platform lifts shall be capable of independent
operation and shall comply with Washington State Department of Labor and
Industries (L&I) regulations. It
could not be expected that a person in a wheelchair independently move a
portable lift into position and prepare it for use in order to gain access to
a portion of the building.
Additionally, since L&I does not have jurisdiction over portable wheelchair
lifts, the anticipated state inspection and safety compliance measures would
not be assured. |
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SUPERSEDES: |
None |
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REQUESTED BY: |
City of Federal Way |